How a Concussion Might Affect Your Child’s Gate, Balance, and Other Visual Manifestations

Concussions are a common type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). They occur when trauma, such as a fall, causes the brain to move back and forth inside the skull, disrupting its normal function.

From six nationwide offices in Sacramento, Bellflower, and Valencia, California; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Guildford, Connecticut; and Plano, Texas, our team of neuro-optometric rehabilitation specialists at DeyeNAMICS offers expert care for concussion injuries. 

Read on as we explain how a mild TBI can affect your child’s gait and balance, and highlight other common visual symptoms.

Why are Concussions Harder to Diagnose in Children?

Concussions can be difficult to diagnose in children for various reasons. For example, toddlers and younger kids may have difficulty explaining their symptoms or articulating how they feel, while teens may experience symptoms that overlap with other conditions, like migraines. 

Adolescents are also less likely to report symptoms if they’re concerned it will make them look weak or affect their playing time on the court or field. 

Common Symptoms of Concussions in Children and Teens

Despite these challenges, parents can look for symptoms that may  indicate a TBI. Here’s a closer look at how concussions can affect gait, balance, and more.

1. Gait-Related Symptoms 

One of the most common concussion signs in children is an abnormal gait (walking pattern). For instance, research shows that following a concussion, many kids have a slower walking pace. 

They’re also more likely to sway from side to side and take smaller steps. These changes are often subtle, but if your child appears wobbly on their feet, don’t wait to seek professional care. 

2. Poor Balance

During a concussion, the brain bounces around inside the skull. Depending on TBI severity, the brain can also twist and stretch, damaging brain cells. In some cases, this damage affects pathways to the inner ear and vestibular system, which are responsible for balance and equilibrium. 

If the brain is unable to process sensory information from the eyes, feet, and inner ears, your child may appear wobbly or unsteady on their feet. These signs and symptoms are most common in toddlers and children, since their nervous systems are still developing, but older kids can also experience poor balance. 

Other concussion side effects — like dizziness, double vision, and headaches — can make post-TBI balance issues even worse.

3. Other Concussion Manifestations

Other subtle signs and symptoms of concussions in children include excessive crying, increased irritability, and tiring easily. You might also notice your child loses interest in their favorite toys or displays changes in their typical eating and sleeping routine. 

Schedule an appointment with a provider even if these symptoms seem mild. Without proper care, concussion symptoms can worsen and increase the risk of more severe medical issues.

Concussion Diagnosis: What to Expect

The DeyeNAMICS team evaluates visual processing after a concussion has been diagnosed using a specialized neuro-visual evaluation. This evaluation focuses on the relationship between spatial visual process and the neuro-motor system. 

After confirming your child’s diagnosis, our providers develop a personalized treatment plan using various interventions that restore balance and improve coordination and movement. 

Schedule Visual Rehabilitation for Your Child Today

If you suspect your child has suffered a concussion, we can provide rehabilitation for your child’s gait and balance and reduce the risk of further concussion-related complications. 

Call or click online today to schedule an evaluation at your nearest DeyeNAMICS office in Sacramento, Bellflower, or Valencia, California; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Guildford, Connecticut; or Plano, Texas.